Extensive blood loss and laceration of major venous channels were the most threatening adverse events, while the risk of a direct injury to the cranial and orbital contents as well as osteolysis of the devascularized bone segments was obviously quite low.

Conclusions: Based on our experience typical pitfalls during surgery for craniosynostosis can be defined. In order to minimize the surgical risks, particular guidelines concerning preoperative evaluation, surgical and anaesthesiological strategies, and postoperative management are presented.